A 17-year-old Westbury High School football and basketball standout was fatally shot just steps from campus on Friday, leaving family, classmates, teammates, and the southwest Houston community in deep mourning. LePaul Warren’s death has stunned everyone who knew him, as a rising athlete’s future was tragically cut short.
A True Standout Gone Too Soon
LePaul Warren wasn’t just any athlete, he was a force. His uncle, Darwin Prater, confirmed the 17-year-old’s death, remembering him as “a real good kid” loved throughout his school and community. Prater noted that while LePaul “loved basketball, but football might have been a way out,” he was “just good in every sport.” Warren had earned a reputation as one of Westbury’s absolute top athletes, a point guard recognized as an all-district basketball performer back in March and even nominated for Mr. Texas Basketball in November 2025. Coach Donte Sports Talk, in a June Facebook scouting profile, called him “a really good player” whose game was “very underrated” after playing varsity since his freshman year. Coach Donte praised his hard-nosed defense and “limitless range from the three-point line,” recognizing a “very smart player” with a “high IQ.” On the football field, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior wore No. 2 as a defensive back and wide receiver for the Huskies. This kid had a future, no doubt.
Westbury Mourns While Authorities Search
Houston police responded to the shooting near Dryad Drive and Burdine Street, roughly 1,000 feet from Westbury High School, finding the 17-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, Warren died from his injuries. As news spread, LePaul’s Instagram account flooded with heartbreaking tributes. Friends wrote messages like “Brudda was goin places … know bro was gon b a star” and “Watch over me brudda, I love yo soul.” Others posted “Rest easy Paul, we love you,” “We miss u alr big bru,” and “Get yo rest Paul,” alongside broken-heart and dove emojis. Three weeks before his death, Warren had shared an Instagram message saying, “give my momma whatever she want cause I might not see tmr,” with hashtags “#FTF” and “#KOBK.” Authorities haven’t linked this post to the shooting and haven’t indicated what led to the attack.
The Fight For Justice Continues
Westbury High was placed in “secure mode” as police investigated, though officials stated there was no active threat inside the building and the school was never under lockdown. About 25 troopers are now searching for the gunman, canvassing the neighborhood for Ring camera footage. Officials have recovered and are reviewing some video. The community lost a special talent, a “real good kid” who stood out in everything he did. Everyone in Westbury is waiting for answers, hoping justice comes for LePaul Warren.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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